When Cheap isn’t Cheap

30th November 2018

Paying upfront for any service before you get it is always a risk. But would you expect to pay even if that service, for example selling your home, never happened? That's precisely what a lot of people are finding when using major online only agents. What's more though, those that do sell are often losing out according to independent experts TheAdvisory.

Their research "Online vs High Street Estate Agent, which will get you the higher price?" comes to the conclusion that using the right High Street estate agent can secure a 5% higher sale price than an internet only listing agent.

That's not surprising when their report also reveals that those high street agents generated 48% more viewings and 64% more offers.

Their interest in the online only route (it's a fallacy to call them "online estate agents", all estate agents are online) came after they decided to use a "traditional" estate agent instead of one of the major internet only listing agents and got an email saying that the High Street agent would only do what they do, but at a lot higher fee.

The people at The Advisory wanted to find out if that was true or if the right "no sale no fee" High Street agent would get a better result.

They go on to say that now, when they see a review from someone thanking an internet only agent for selling their property so quickly, their though is "That's great but how much money did you unwittingly leave on the table?"

And when major online only companies advertise that they don't charge commission, many people seem genuinely surprised that they do charge a fee instead. Even if they don't sell the property.

Of course we at Beresfords use the major portals to promote property, they are essential part of any marketing toolkit. But they are only a part. Ultimately the best results are achieved when agents proactively sell property rather than just wait for people to come to them.

With prime High Street locations and 16 offices along the A12 corridor taking full advantage of all those people living nearer London and moving out further into Essex, that's an average of over 60% of buyers registered at our branches, we are confident we can get you the best buyer at the best price and in the shortest time frame.

And if we don't sell your property, we won't charge you a penny!